Contraload strengthens pooling capability with acquisition of PLS

April 30, 2018.Contraload, the leading logistics pooling company, has announced the acquisition of Packaging Logistics Services (PLS) from Bibby Line Group (BLG).

PLS, which has grown successfully under BLG’s ownership, has an established track record for providing high-quality pooling solutions for reusable plastic load carriers to a range of industries.

The combined business will help strengthen Contraload’s competitive offer while continuing to offer PLS’ customers the current highest quality levels of service and provide further expansion opportunities across Europe.

“We are delighted to announce this acquisition and welcome the PLS team to Contraload,” said Jesse Sels, Contraload Managing Director. “We know they are a very reputable and customer-focused business and that offers an immediate synergy with Contraload and our own company values.

“This is great news for everyone involved. As a leading plastic pooling company, the opportunity to team up with PLS to expand our offering with an established player is one we didn’t want to miss. It’s a real statement of intent from Contraload, one that shows we are serious about growth.

“Everyone at Contraload warmly welcomes the team at PLS, who we will support fully through this transition. With our experience in change management, we will not only ensure the seamless continuity of service to PLS’ customers, but also enhance the service offering.”

Established in 2004, Contraload is the European market leader in plastic pallet pooling. This includes the rental and management of plastic pallets and containers for the professional market, with a strong focus on the food industry. The company is headquartered in Belgium and has offices in France, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom. PLS has operations in the UK in Featherstone and Swadlincote, three sites in Poland and a presence in Germany.

“As part of a diverse and forward-looking family business, we recognise that by combining PLS’ operations, people and expertise with Contraload’s business, we are confident that customers will continue to receive a high quality, personal service for years to come,” commented Sir Michael Bibby, Chairman of Bibby Supply Chain Services. “I would like to thank all our colleagues in PLS for their hard work and success over the recent years.”

“Our combined capabilities offer a compelling outsourcing proposition to our customers,” added Jon Graves, Managing Director of PLS. “We believe that this acquisition will give the business the best opportunity to grow further, enhancing our strengths in customer service and staff development. We’re delighted with Contraload’s view of the business as an important strategic platform for expansion, and that they recognise both our technical expertise and the quality of our people.

“With the combined experience of both companies and a strong collaboration our shared future vision of expansion is well within reach. Both businesses share the same core values – honesty, integrity and doing the right thing by our people, which is crucial in succeeding in a highly competitive and ever-changing industry”